14/03/2024

Del Monte revolutionizes the pineapple purchasing experience in Italy with the Pineapple Cutting Machines

Del Monte revolutionizes the pineapple purchasing experience in Italy with the Pineapple Cutting Machines

A successful project that, when introduced in Italian retail locations, has seen a 40% increase in pineapple sales.

Fresh Del Monte Europe and Africa is pleased to announce the introduction of innovative pineapple cutting machines. Positioned directly in the produce section, this machine is an innovation that significantly simplifies the pineapple preparation process for consumers. The usage is very intuitive: you place a fresh pineapple into the machine, which cleans and cuts it into pieces, and in just a few seconds, collects them in an eco-friendly paper container with a lid.

Thierry Montange, Marketing Director of Fresh Del Monte Europe and Africa, enthusiastic about the project, explains, "You take the container and place it at the bottom of the machine. You simply open the door, insert the fresh pineapple, which is then cut and put into the container. Once taken out, you just close the container, and using a barcode found on the packaging, you can pay at the checkout."

This innovative solution allows consumers to have fresh, ready-to-eat pineapple at home, already peeled, in just 15 seconds.

Thierry Montange emphasizes the success of the pilot project and the significant benefits for retailers and consumers, stating, "We developed it with Zummo and already have a pilot project with four chains in Italy with excellent results. On average, pineapple sales have increased by 40%, and the system is very simple and convenient to use for both store staff and consumers."

The Marketing Director concludes by saying, "We are very proud of this partnership with Zummo, as we have worked closely together offering a first-rate new innovative technology for a seamless in-store shopping experience."

Currently, the machine is available in the produce sections of five retail locations in Italy.

• Sole365 in Sant'Anastasia (Naples), via Pomigliano/via Palmentola
• Sole365 in Naples, Via Dell'Incoronata 14
• Sole365 in Naples, Via Lepanto 55
• Mercatò in Rivoli (Turin), Corso IV Novembre 57/B
• Mercatò in Settimo Torinese (Turin), Via Emanuele Gianturco 10°

Over the coming months, this initiative will be expanded to additional retail chains.

Montange adds, "The installation is done directly in the store's produce section. We provide initial training to the store staff on how to use the machine and the cleaning mechanism. It's very simple: there are only three pieces to remove at the end of each day, and it takes about 10 minutes to clean and prepare them for the next day. All organic waste from the peel and crown is collected in a bag at the bottom of the machine and can be used for compost."

With this innovation, Del Monte redefines the pineapple purchasing experience, making it simpler and more efficient.

About Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is one of the world's leading vertically integrated manufacturers, sellers and distributors of high-quality fresh and pre-cut fruits and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and distributor of prepared food in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Fresh Del Monte markets its products worldwide under the Del Monte® brand (under license from Del Monte Foods, Inc.), a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness, and reliability for more than 135 years. Fresh Del Monte is the first fruit and vegetable retailer to commit to the Science Based Targets initiative. In 2023, for the second year in a row, Fresh Del Monte Produce was ranked as one of "America's Most Trustworthy Companies" by Newsweek, according to a survey that rated companies based on three different points, which include customer trust, investor trust, and employee trust. Fresh Del Monte Produce is listed on the NYSE under the symbol FDP.

For further information about Zummo and the Isla product: Isla - Industrial pineapple peeler and cutter (zummocorp.com)